LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV remained undefeated at home this season thanks to Bailey Letherman's golden goal in the first overtime, as the Rebels claimed a 1-0 victory over Utah Valley Friday night in WAC men's soccer action at Johann Memorial Field. It was the Rebels third shutout in the past five games, and moved them to 2-2-2 overall, while they are currently fifth in the league standings with eight points, just two points out of a three-way tie for second. The Wolverines meanwhile dropped to 1-2 for the season.

REBEL DEFENSE: Sophomore Miguel Duenas Jr., who ranks among the nation's leaders in both goals against average and save percentage, improved both numbers after posting yet another clean sheet, his third in just his fourth career collegiate game. Duenas finished with five saves, while the Rebels limited UVU to just 10 total shots, and only five on goal.


WINNING SCORE: UNLV held a slight edge on shots in the game, 12-10, and had nine shots on goal, but could not get past Wolverine goalkeeper Joseph Wheelwright. That led to the game going into extra time, and midway through the overtime period, Grant Smyth lofted up a high ball into the box that Wheelwright attempted to grab out of the air. However, he came down on top of Rebel forward Valentin Hafner, forcing him to both lose the ball and take Hafner down to the ground afterwards, leading to a penalty kick for UNLV. Letherman took the shot for UNLV, and sent a low kick to the right post for the score.

QUOTEABLE:  "We just finished an emotionally draining game, an overtime game with a pretty dramatic finish with a penalty kick. Great win for us, we needed these three points. It's going to be a dog fight over the next few weeks for teams clinching spots for the WAC tournament so this was big, as we have some tough opponents coming up. Utah Valley is one of our rivals, it's always a tight contest with them and glad we were able to come out on top today." - UNLV head coach Rich Ryerson

NEXT TIME OUT: UNLV plays a rescheduled game with California Baptist on Monday, March 22 at 1 pm, again at Johann Memorial Field.